Published: January 23, 2025
Monrovia – The Chairman of the governing Unity Party (UP), Rev. Luther Tarpeh, has called on President Joseph N. Boakai to prioritize appointing loyal UP partisans to key government positions. Rev. Tarpeh said these individuals played a pivotal role in securing Boakai’s election victory in 2023 and should not be overlooked.
“These are the people who made you who you are today. They should not be forgotten if we are to address the challenges confronting them,” Rev. Tarpeh stated during a news conference held in Monrovia on Wednesday. The event marked the first anniversary of the Unity Party’s ascension to power following its victory in the 2023 elections.
According to Tarpeh, UP partisans have faced ridicule from across the country since the party assumed power in January 2024. He lamented that many loyalists continue to endure hardships despite their efforts during the campaign that led to Boakai’s presidency.
In February 2024, a group of UP supporters, including allies of Chairman Tarpeh, staged a demonstration outside the President’s residence. They expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of recognition for the contributions of UP partisans. Carrying placards, they demanded the withdrawal of certain appointments made by President Boakai and called for their replacement with loyal party members.
The protesters argued that the appointments of non-partisans contradicted the significant sacrifices made by UP members during the 2023 elections.
Rev. Tarpeh has also threatened to take action against non-partisans who, he alleges, have mocked UP loyalists while benefiting from positions in the current administration.
“Your time in office will soon come to an end if you do not desist from mocking our partisans. I will lead a group of UP members to demand your removal,” he warned.
The UP Chairman further emphasized that while non-partisans may work in the government, they should not forget that UP loyalists contributed financially and otherwise during the election campaign.
Rev. Tarpeh declared that the administration could no longer blame the challenges of governance on the previous administration, as one year had already passed.
“The honeymoon is over. It’s time for President Boakai and his officials to put their feet on the ground and deliver for the Liberian people,” he asserted.
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